There are many myths regarding the UPSC exam. Civilserviceindia.com wishes to clear some of these popular myths.

It is often claimed that UPSC Civil Service Exams is too tough to crack by average students. Is it?
The Civil Services is one of the toughest exams not because of complex study material or syllabus but because the questions are based on the practical and dynamic current events. There are many tough exams in India but the syllabus of those exams is static. As a result it’s not necessary that toppers will get through this one. This means there is a good chance for non-toppers to crack it if they follow current affairs keenly.

Many experts say IAS is for the strong hearted. Is it true?
If you think you are not strong and faint-hearted. Then don't worry, start preparing for the UPSC Prelims with willpower and confidence. Either join a civil aspirant group or an institute for support.

To prepare for the IAS exam it is mandatory to stay in Delhi. Is it true?
Wrong. Most of those who qualify the civil service exams are no longer from Delhi. They come from even the remotest corners of India. It all depends upon how disciplined and focused you are.

Is it necessary to have a strong command over English to clear the UPSC Exam?
Definitely No! But you must have decent communication skills in English. You are allowed to write UPSC exams in your mother tongue. But the essay paper is in English only.

The IAS exam requires preparation for 20 hours every day for 365 days. Is this true?
No. Its more about what you read and how than the amount of time.
If you have not cleared prelims before, Civilserviceindia.com strongly recommends you to devote at least 75 - 80 % of your preparation time in the last 6 months before Prelims (December – May) entirely on Prelims topics.

10 percent reservation for economically weaker sections in general category
The Indian parliament has approved the bill for offering 10 per cent quota in education and employment to economically weaker sections in the general category. Though it is cited as a historic bill for reservation for economically weaker sections in Upper Caste, many feel that this is a political move to consolidate the vote banks.

Free and Compulsory Education amendment bill passed
The Lok Sabha has passed The Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education (Second Amendment) Bill 2017 which allows detention of school students in class 5 and 8.